Difference between revisions of "PB4Y-2 (France)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=pb4y-2_france}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = French heavy bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = French heavy bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| usage = other versions
 
| link = B-24/PB4Y (Family)
 
| link = B-24/PB4Y (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=pb4y-2_france
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_PB4Y-2France.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was given to France under the MDA (Mutual Defense Assistance Act) which was signed in 1949. A few years later, France would receive 22 PB4Ys and would use them in Vietnam during the first Indochina War as bombers. They served in the theater until the Battle of Dien Bien Phu which was a decisive loss for France. Six of these PB4Ys were sent back to America while the rest were shipped to North Africa to fight in Algeria and then during the Suez Crisis. In the early 1960s, the PB4Ys were scrapped.
−
{{break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French heavy bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is essentially the same as the PB4Ys in the American and Chinese trees. Players should expect the PB4Y to be very slow in level flight compared to other bombers but well-defended with one turret in the nose, two dorsal turrets, two beam turrets, and one turret in the tail.
 +
 
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
|-
+
 
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is virtually the same as the other PB4Ys in-game. It suffers at high altitudes due to its engines being tuned for low-altitude flying, so many enemy fighters will be able to intercept you. Even at low altitudes, the PB4Y is incredibly slow and struggles to hit speeds of 400 km/h (250 mph) at level flight. Furthermore, it accelerates very slowly so it takes a long time to reach its top speed. Like many other 4-engine bombers, the PB4Y has lacklustre manoeuvrability. However, the PB4Y has a structural rip speed of 599 km/h (375.4 mph)  which is much higher than the [[B-17]] and extremely similar to the [[B-24]]'s structural limit. Many other 4-engine bombers at this BR share a similar rip speed of around 600 km/h (375 mph).
−
|-
+
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,620 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Stock
 +
| 383 || 368 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 39.4 || 41.0 || 1.3 || 1.3 || rowspan="2" | 950
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
+
! Upgraded
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
| 426 || 404 || 36.6 || 38.0 || 6.5 || 3.5
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ?.? || ?.? || ?
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flap
 
−
! Landing flap
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| X || X || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ??? || ??? || ??? || ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 360 || 263 || ~4 || ~2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
+
| < 200 || < 180 || < 180 || > 300
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|-
 
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
−
|}
 
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of nose gunner.
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of nose gunner.
Line 141: Line 91:
 
* 55 mm Bulletproof glass in front of tail gunner.
 
* 55 mm Bulletproof glass in front of tail gunner.
 
* 9.5 mm Steel plate in front of tail gunner.
 
* 9.5 mm Steel plate in front of tail gunner.
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
−
<!--=== Offensive armament ===
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
−
''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
 
−
-->
 
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets, and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
−
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)}}
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)|Type A Mark I mine}}
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* 20 x 100 lbs AN-M30A1 bombs (2,000 lb = total)
+
* 20 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 8 &nbsp;&nbsp;x 500 lbs AN-M64A1 bombs (4,000 lb = total)
+
* 8 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
−
* 4 x 1,000 lbs AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb = total)
+
* 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
−
* 8 x 1,000 lbs AN-M65A1 bombs (8,000 lb = total)
+
* 8 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (8,000 lb total)
−
* 4 x 2,000 lbs AN-M66A2 bombs (8,000 lb = total)
+
* 4 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (8,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x Type A Mark I mines
 +
* 8 x Type A Mark I mines
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
−
<!--''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
−
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, nose turret (600 RPGg = 1,200 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose turret (600 rpg = 1,200 total)
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x dorsal turret (380 RPG = 1,520 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, 2 x dorsal turrets (380 rpg = 760 total)
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turret (400 RPG = 1,600 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, 2 x beam turrets (400 rpg = 800 total)
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, tail turret (400 RPG = 800 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, tail turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
There are two ways you can go about playing the PB4Y-2 Privateer, side climbing or diving.
 +
 
 +
; Side climbing
 +
 
 +
Side climbing is the safest way of going about. Start by spawning with your Heavy Bomber air spawn, and climb away from the battle. This will give your fighters enough to time to climb up and duel with the enemies. After you see most of the enemies at low alt, you are safe to go in and bomb a point and return-to-base. With side-climbing, the chance to reaching the bombing point is significantly higher as altitude is gained and it becomes less likely the enemy fighters will locate the PB4Y-2. However, side climbing will take up a lot of time and can end with the game ending before reaching the bombing point, or the team decimated.
 +
 
 +
; Diving
 +
 
 +
Shallow diving:
 +
 
 +
Diving is probably the most risky way of trying to bomb but it is the quickest if you do it right. Start by spawning in then dive at about -10 degrees. This will make sure you will not overspeed before reaching the bombing point. However enemy interceptors with air spawn can potentially catch you in a head on, which is an extremely dangerous situation.
 +
 
 +
Steep diving:
 +
 
 +
Upon spawning, dive at an angle of about -40 degrees. The PB4Y will gradually pick up speed to around 500 km/h. Once you reach 580 km/h, cut throttle to avoid over speeding. If you are close to the bomb base, turn into shallow diving or level out and prepare for the bombing. Once bombs are out, bank towards your airfield while keep diving, you should fly at no more than 100 m above the ground.
 +
 
 +
Diving will also remove the defensive blind spot on the belly when staying low, as it is less likely a fighter will intercept from below. If a fighter decides to come down and attack, they lose their altitude and so friendly fighters can pounce on them more easily. However, the last point of fighters coming down may end up attracting the whole enemy team, and dealing with a swarm of enemy fighters is no one's desired outcome. At a low altitude, ground elements like anti-aircraft could also have a better chance of hitting the plane.
 +
 
 +
During an encounter with enemy aircraft, if you have time to adjust your position, try putting the enemy plane at your 10 / 2 o'clock. This way you can utilise up to 8 M2 Brownings scattered across your fuselage (2 x dorsal turrets, beam turret & nose turret) against the enemy, at the price of presenting a huge silhouette to it. This is a very dangerous tactic, but sometimes it is worth a try.
 +
 
 +
Overall, this usage is more risky than maintaining altitude and bombing, but it could be rewarding if pulled off successfully.
 +
 
 +
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
 +
 
 +
* [[Do 335 (Family)|Do 335]]: this interceptor posts a huge threat to the PB4Y due to its destructive firepower. An experienced Do 335 player might open fire from a far distance of 2.5 km away, at this range its MK108/MK103 shells still have adequate accuracy and damage to cripple the PB4Y, while the PB4Y's M2 Brownings can barely do any damage. The PB4Y's tail is also prone to being blown off by a few HE cannon shells.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type  
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Automatic pitch || Controllable || Not controllable || Combined || Controllable || Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
===Modules===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Great defensive coverage
+
* Great defensive armament
−
* Great defensive armament
+
* Good payload, can carry small, medium, or large bombs
−
* Good payload options when fully upgraded
+
* Almost full coverage from the turrets
 +
* Most vital parts such as gunners and cooling systems are protected by armour plates which can resist shrapnel/small calibre bullets
 +
* Impressive rear, sideways, and top turret coverage makes it a very tough target in simulator
 +
* Has two pilots who are protected by multiple layers of armour behind, meaning it is hard to pilot snipe it from behind
 +
* Tricycle landing gear allows continuous breaking until full stop, without having to worry about flipping over
 +
* Critical parts such as gunners/cooling systems are quite spread out, which helps to soak up damage
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 236: Line 191:
 
* Tail can break off when landing and can be easily shot off
 
* Tail can break off when landing and can be easily shot off
 
* Low dive limit and turn limit
 
* Low dive limit and turn limit
 +
* No gun coverage under the fuselage
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
After WWII and at the dawn of the Cold War, in view of rearming NATO allies, the United States passed the Mutual Defense Assistance Act where they would provide equipment to allies; France was one of those nations. 22 PB4Y-2s were supplied to the Aéronavale (French naval air arm) and were first used during the First Indochina War to suppress the North Vietnamese forces until the tide of war turned against the French; 4 of these bombers were lost during this 8-year war.
 +
 
 +
Later in the mid-1950s, 6 of these aircraft were returned to the US and the 12 remaining were then used for colony suppression in Algeria and Tunisia, as well as the 1956 Suez Crisis. As the newer P2Vs came into French service, these remaining aircraft were scrapped in 1961.<ref>http://www.aviation-history.com/consolidated/pb4y.html</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=pb4y-2_france Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
−
<!--''ETC.''-->
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/365067-consolidated-pb4y-2-privateer/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
{{AirManufacturer Consolidated}}
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
{{France bombers}}
−
* ''other literature.''
+
<references />

Latest revision as of 09:21, 4 August 2023

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the French heavy bomber PB4Y-2 (France). For other versions, see B-24/PB4Y (Family).
▄PB4Y-2
pb4y-2_france.png
GarageImage PB4Y-2 (France).jpg
ArtImage PB4Y-2 (France).jpg
▄PB4Y-2
France flag.png France
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.7 4.7 5.7
Class:
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ▄PB4Y-2 Privateer was given to France under the MDA (Mutual Defense Assistance Act) which was signed in 1949. A few years later, France would receive 22 PB4Ys and would use them in Vietnam during the first Indochina War as bombers. They served in the theater until the Battle of Dien Bien Phu which was a decisive loss for France. Six of these PB4Ys were sent back to America while the rest were shipped to North Africa to fight in Algeria and then during the Suez Crisis. In the early 1960s, the PB4Ys were scrapped.

Introduced in Update 1.73 "Vive la France", the ▄PB4Y-2 Privateer is essentially the same as the PB4Ys in the American and Chinese trees. Players should expect the PB4Y to be very slow in level flight compared to other bombers but well-defended with one turret in the nose, two dorsal turrets, two beam turrets, and one turret in the tail.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 7 620 m404 km/h
Turn time38 s
Max altitude10 000 m
Engine4 х Pratt & Whitney R-1830-94
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight29 t

The ▄PB4Y-2 Privateer is virtually the same as the other PB4Ys in-game. It suffers at high altitudes due to its engines being tuned for low-altitude flying, so many enemy fighters will be able to intercept you. Even at low altitudes, the PB4Y is incredibly slow and struggles to hit speeds of 400 km/h (250 mph) at level flight. Furthermore, it accelerates very slowly so it takes a long time to reach its top speed. Like many other 4-engine bombers, the PB4Y has lacklustre manoeuvrability. However, the PB4Y has a structural rip speed of 599 km/h (375.4 mph) which is much higher than the B-17 and extremely similar to the B-24's structural limit. Many other 4-engine bombers at this BR share a similar rip speed of around 600 km/h (375 mph).

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 7,620 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 383 368 10000 39.4 41.0 1.3 1.3 950
Upgraded 426 404 36.6 38.0 6.5 3.5

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 263 N/A 360 263 ~4 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 200 < 180 < 180 > 300

Survivability and armour

Crew8 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear263 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of nose gunner.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate in front of nose gunner.
  • 9.5 mm Steel plate underneath nose gunner.
  • 9.5 mm Steel plates behind pilots.
  • Three 9.5 mm Steel plates inside the fuselage.
  • 9.5 mm Steel plates behind and under radial engines.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plates behind dorsal gunners.
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of beam gunners.
  • 9.5 and 6.35 mm Steel plates in front of beam gunners.
  • 55 mm Bulletproof glass in front of tail gunner.
  • 9.5 mm Steel plate in front of tail gunner.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 096 → 2 655 Sl icon.png
RB5 789 → 7 334 Sl icon.png
SB10 642 → 13 483 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications40 400 Rp icon.png
78 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training45 000 Sl icon.png
Experts155 000 Sl icon.png
Aces820 Ge icon.png
Research Aces440 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 200 / 460 % Sl icon.png
160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods bulletproof vest.png
Protective vest
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SBC mk.I
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_turret_belt_pack
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
LBC-24
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods air naval mine.png
Mk 13 Mod 0
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FLBC mk.1
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
bmg50_turret_new_gun
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
LBC-17
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (7)
Setup 120 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bomb
Setup 28 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Setup 34 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb
Setup 48 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb
Setup 54 x 2000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb
Setup 68 x 1000 lbs Type A Mark I aircraft laid magnetic mine
Setup 74 x 1000 lbs Type A Mark I aircraft laid magnetic mine
Main articles: AN-M30A1 (100 lb), AN-M64A1 (500 lb), AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb), AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb), Type A Mark I mine

The PB4Y-2 (France) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 20 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 8 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 8 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (8,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (8,000 lb total)
  • 4 x Type A Mark I mines
  • 8 x Type A Mark I mines

Defensive armament

Turret2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition1200 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
2 х Turret2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition760 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
3 х Turret2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition800 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The PB4Y-2 (France) is defended by:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose turret (600 rpg = 1,200 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, 2 x dorsal turrets (380 rpg = 760 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, 2 x beam turrets (400 rpg = 800 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, tail turret (400 rpg = 800 total)

Usage in battles

There are two ways you can go about playing the PB4Y-2 Privateer, side climbing or diving.

Side climbing

Side climbing is the safest way of going about. Start by spawning with your Heavy Bomber air spawn, and climb away from the battle. This will give your fighters enough to time to climb up and duel with the enemies. After you see most of the enemies at low alt, you are safe to go in and bomb a point and return-to-base. With side-climbing, the chance to reaching the bombing point is significantly higher as altitude is gained and it becomes less likely the enemy fighters will locate the PB4Y-2. However, side climbing will take up a lot of time and can end with the game ending before reaching the bombing point, or the team decimated.

Diving

Shallow diving:

Diving is probably the most risky way of trying to bomb but it is the quickest if you do it right. Start by spawning in then dive at about -10 degrees. This will make sure you will not overspeed before reaching the bombing point. However enemy interceptors with air spawn can potentially catch you in a head on, which is an extremely dangerous situation.

Steep diving:

Upon spawning, dive at an angle of about -40 degrees. The PB4Y will gradually pick up speed to around 500 km/h. Once you reach 580 km/h, cut throttle to avoid over speeding. If you are close to the bomb base, turn into shallow diving or level out and prepare for the bombing. Once bombs are out, bank towards your airfield while keep diving, you should fly at no more than 100 m above the ground.

Diving will also remove the defensive blind spot on the belly when staying low, as it is less likely a fighter will intercept from below. If a fighter decides to come down and attack, they lose their altitude and so friendly fighters can pounce on them more easily. However, the last point of fighters coming down may end up attracting the whole enemy team, and dealing with a swarm of enemy fighters is no one's desired outcome. At a low altitude, ground elements like anti-aircraft could also have a better chance of hitting the plane.

During an encounter with enemy aircraft, if you have time to adjust your position, try putting the enemy plane at your 10 / 2 o'clock. This way you can utilise up to 8 M2 Brownings scattered across your fuselage (2 x dorsal turrets, beam turret & nose turret) against the enemy, at the price of presenting a huge silhouette to it. This is a very dangerous tactic, but sometimes it is worth a try.

Overall, this usage is more risky than maintaining altitude and bombing, but it could be rewarding if pulled off successfully.

Enemies worth noting:

  • Do 335: this interceptor posts a huge threat to the PB4Y due to its destructive firepower. An experienced Do 335 player might open fire from a far distance of 2.5 km away, at this range its MK108/MK103 shells still have adequate accuracy and damage to cripple the PB4Y, while the PB4Y's M2 Brownings can barely do any damage. The PB4Y's tail is also prone to being blown off by a few HE cannon shells.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Combined Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great defensive armament
  • Good payload, can carry small, medium, or large bombs
  • Almost full coverage from the turrets
  • Most vital parts such as gunners and cooling systems are protected by armour plates which can resist shrapnel/small calibre bullets
  • Impressive rear, sideways, and top turret coverage makes it a very tough target in simulator
  • Has two pilots who are protected by multiple layers of armour behind, meaning it is hard to pilot snipe it from behind
  • Tricycle landing gear allows continuous breaking until full stop, without having to worry about flipping over
  • Critical parts such as gunners/cooling systems are quite spread out, which helps to soak up damage

Cons:

  • Inadequate stock payload options
  • Poor climb rate
  • Very, very slow, especially when stock
  • Tail can break off when landing and can be easily shot off
  • Low dive limit and turn limit
  • No gun coverage under the fuselage

History

After WWII and at the dawn of the Cold War, in view of rearming NATO allies, the United States passed the Mutual Defense Assistance Act where they would provide equipment to allies; France was one of those nations. 22 PB4Y-2s were supplied to the Aéronavale (French naval air arm) and were first used during the First Indochina War to suppress the North Vietnamese forces until the tide of war turned against the French; 4 of these bombers were lost during this 8-year war.

Later in the mid-1950s, 6 of these aircraft were returned to the US and the 12 remaining were then used for colony suppression in Algeria and Tunisia, as well as the 1956 Suez Crisis. As the newer P2Vs came into French service, these remaining aircraft were scrapped in 1961.[1]

Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Consolidated Aircraft Corporation
Bombers  PBY-5 Catalina · PBY-5A Catalina
  PB4Y-2
  B-24D-25-CO
Export  ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · ▂PBY-5A Catalina · ▄PBY-5A Late · ␗PB4Y-2 · ▄PB4Y-2

France bombers
Farman  F.222.2 · N.C.223.3
Latécoère  Late 298D
Potez  Potez 633
Liore et Olivier  LeO 451 early · LeO 451 late
Bloch  M.B.174A-3 · M.B.162 · M.B.175T
American  V-156-F · Martin 167-A3 · ▄A-35B · ▄SB2C-5 · B-26C · ▄PBY-5A Late · ▄PB4Y-2
British  Lancaster MR.7

  1. ↑ http://www.aviation-history.com/consolidated/pb4y.html
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